Road Trip by Gary and Jim Paulsen

Road Trip. By Gary Paulsen and Jim Paulsen. Wendy Lamb Books/ Random House Children’s Books, 2013. 128 pages. $12.99

Like dogs? Love a good road trip? On a school bus? Add in a cast of colorful characters and you have the book Road Trip, a joint venture of Gary Paulsen and his son Jim. Dedicated to “all the dogs who make us better people,” Road Trip is in fact a homage to all that is good about dogs and our unique caretaking relationship with them. Narrated in part by Atticus, the family Border Collie, we are treated to a special a dog’s eye view of the goings on complete with his insightful editorial comments. The first person narration of Ben holds up well in the comparison to his beloved canine.  Best read snuggled up next to a furry friend. For 4^th to 6^th grade readers.

A Dog Called Homeless by Sarah Lean

A Dog Called Homeless. By Sarah Lean. Harper Collins, 2012. 208 pages. $16.99
Do you believe in ghosts? Cally Fisher is beginning to. Mourning the loss of her mother, Cally begins to see her in unlikely places. She’s always wearing her red raincoat and is accompanied by a wolfhound. Given that no one believes Cally when she talks about seeing her mother or the strange appearances of the wolfhound, Cally decides not to talk. It’s a reasonable response since she feels no one is listening anyway. Her newfound friend, Sam, despite, or maybe because of, his physical limitations provides Cally with profound insights. Ultimately though, it is Cally herself who learns to accept her grief and help her father and brother deal with their loss. This intriguing debut novel will have readers looking for Sarah Lean’s next offering. Suitable for 3rd-6th grade readers.

Homer by Elisha Cooper

Homer. By Elisha Cooper. Greenwillow Books, 2012. 32 pages. $16.99

Every once in a while, you find a picture book that is so lovely you just have to share it with everyone you know. Homer, by Elisha Cooper, is one such book. It is simply, the story of a dog, Homer, and a family. The dog is older. The family is active. The dog is invited to participate, but politely declines, preferring to observe his family from the comfort of the beach house porch. Family members relate the day’s activities to Homer.  He is happy. Contentment resonates through the simplicity of the watercolor and pencil illustrations. Minimal text carries maximum impact as Homer shares thoughts with his family, “No, I have everything I want … I have you.” Anyone who has ever owned an older dog will appreciate Homer’s grace. This is a perfect book to curl up and read, especially if there’s a dog nearby. Suitable for ages 3 – 7, but perfect for everyone.